Wang’s attorney asks court to draw lots over hearing

By Rich Chang / Staff reporter

Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng’s attorney Hsu Ying-chieh talks to reporters at the entrance of the Taiwan High Court in Taipei yesterday.

Photo: CNA

Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng’s (王金平) attorney yesterday requested that the Taiwan High Court hold a drawing of lots to decide which court would hear an appeal filed by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) against the decision of a lower court over Wang’s party membership and speakership status.

The KMT’s attorneys on Monday filed an appeal with the Taiwan High Court against the ruling handed down by the Taipei District Court in favor of Wang on Friday.

Wang’s lawyer, Hsu Ying-chieh (許英傑), yesterday afternoon applied to the High Court asking that a public drawing of lots be held to decide which court will take the case.

“The lawsuit is very significant to the country. To ensure the suit is heard fairly and with credibility, we ask the High Court that a drawing be used to choose who hears the case,” Hsu said in the High Court.

“We hope attorneys of both sides watch the drawing process,” he added.

Wang last week requested an injunction from the Taipei District Court against the KMT’s decision to revoke his party membership over his alleged role in attempting to influence a prosecutor in a legal case involving Democratic Progressive Party caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘).

The district court ruled that Wang may keep his rights as a KMT member until a final ruling on the condition that he secure NT$9.38 million (US$315,000) as a collateral deposit.

The ruling took effect on Saturday after being delivered to the KMT, the Central Election Commission and the legislature.

KMT attorneys argued the district court “has no jurisdiction” whatsoever over the case because disciplinary procedures against party members are“a matter within the scope of the autonomy of the party,” Chen said.

He added that his interpretation was supported by a verdict handed down by the Supreme Court of Japan.